Intercultural Design - Compilation of Proposal, Data Collection & Final Project (Group 25)

13/01/2023 - 28/02/2023 (Week 1 - 8)
WONG JUN ZHE / 0353613
Information Design / B' Creative Media / Taylor's University
Compilation of Proposal, Data Collection & Final Project (Group 25)



INSTRUCTIONS

Project 1 - Proposal

*We had a few versions of our proposal slides. This is due to us making changes every time we receive feedback from Ms Anis. 

We started by brainstorming topic ideas. Every member suggested a minimum of 2 ideas and other group members would give their comments. We listed out topics and cultures that we find interesting and moved on from there. 

Initial Stage:

Initial topic suggestions 
  1. Inuit/Eskimo
  2. Face Tattoos
  3. Yakuza Culture
  4. Orang Asli Culture
  5. Hop Hop Culture (African-American subculture)
  6. Emos/ Goths
  7. Cosplayers
  8. Cowboys and cowgirls
  9. Piracy/ Pirates (European subculture)
  10. Cottagecore
  11. VSCO
Narrowed topics suggestions:
  1. Hip Hop
  2. Golden Age of Piracy
  3. Norse Mythology
  4. Mural Culture
  5. Hanfu Culture
  6. Chinese Calligraphy
  7. Orang Asli Culture
  8. Greek Mythology
  9. Graffiti Culture
  10. Uniform Culture
3 Selected topics:
  1. Hanfu Culture
  2. Norse Mythology
  3. Graffiti Culture
Research Stage:

In this stage, we split the workload among the six of us. Melody and Ary were in charge of Hanfu Culture; Ser Yeet and Riko were in charge of Graffiti Culture; Hadiya and I were in charge of Norse Mythology. 

    Initial Draft Proposal:

     

    After receiving feedback on our initial draft proposal, we realised that our topics were too broad. So, we went ahead and narrowed down the topic. 

    Besides, we decided to discard the Graffiti idea and do Chinese Architecture Culture instead. 

    Updated Draft Proposal:


    Our final choice was to go for Chinese Architecture Culture. Reason for this was because we had the most and the best ideas of what the final outcome can be for this topic. Additionally, we have easy access on first hand research (site study) since there are many temples in the KL / Selangor area that shows elements of Chinese Architecture. 

    Presentation Proposal:

     

    Above is the slide we used for our presentation that covers some pilot research to further our understanding about this topic, as well as 4 preliminary ideas for the final outcome. However, we ended up changing most of the ideas after the feedback session. 

    Final Proposal for Submission:


    We came up with 3 new ideas that are more creative and implementable than the 4 ideas before. While brainstorming, we kept the feedback of 'SHOW, don't tell' in mind, which helped us a lot in my opinion. 

    Ultimately, we decided to work on the third idea: to create an ancient Chinese-style lantern.

    Project 2 - Field Study / Data Collection


    For data collection, we decided to do site visits and online research as a supplement to our first hand research, as well as to provide us with additional data. 

    I visited Kwan Imm Temple Klang on 6/2/2023 to conduct visual research. I took photos of the temple's structure, sculptures, and even close up patterns and carvings. The temple can be divided into different pavilions, some build earlier than the others. It was a really great and interesting experience since I never really look into temple designs in this much detail when I usually visit temples. 

    Kwan Imm Temple Klang

    Links to pictures taken during site visit to Kwan Imm Temple Klang: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CF4T0Xolt_BxO8uOxbIKC2BdlGNIwfoq?usp=sharing

    Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

    Hadiya, Riko and Ser Yeet visited Thean Hou Temple on another day to look at their architecture. The architecture and design were quite similar but there are also distinct differences, since Kwan Imm Temple Klang is the oldest Chinese temple in Klang, and Thean Hou Temple is considered more modern. We kind of did a comparison of the two temples and thought of ways on how we can combine them together in our lantern design. 

    Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands

    Hong San Si Temple, Sarawak

    Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca City

    Hadiya, Melody and Ary were in charge of the online research. We did some research online on Chin Swee Caves Temple, Hong San Si Temple, as well as Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. These temples were quite far away from city centre, so we opted for online research instead.

    Project 3 - Final Project


    Above is a visual research compilation + sketches for out final outcome. We decided this was needed to give us a better image on what we should expect in terms of the shape and design of a lantern.


    In this poster, we explained the design elements and features of our lantern design. We incorporated many visual elements from all 5 temples into the design. 

    Concept:

    For this project, the team decided to study the various aspects of Chinese Architecture such as Feng Shui, colours and patterns, beliefs, etc. Site visits to Thean Hou Temple and Kwan Imm Temple Klang were done to enhance the team’s understanding about this topic. Additionally, online research was also done on several other Chinese temples in Malaysia. Ultimately, the team used the collected data and designed a vector illustration prototype of a traditional Chinese lamp / lantern that incorporates the design elements and features of Chinese Architecture.


    FEEDBACK

    Initial Draft Proposal


    Updated Draft Proposal

    Final Proposal for Submission


    REFLECTION

    I am grateful to have a team that consists of hardworking and creative members. Ser Yeet helped to keep track on the team’s progress and overall was very helpful throughout the project. During the CNY period, Hadiya and Riko were thoughtful and considerate that some of us celebrating would be busy. They were kind enough to take over some of the tasks given during that time. 

    As the leader of this group, I admit that there is still space for me to improve when it comes to leadership. I have identified my weaknesses and will continue to work on improving them.  

    Overall, it was a great experience working with everyone as a group. Of course, it is an inevitable fact that some of us did more than others. However, I'd say everyone put in good efforts and contributed in their own ways. 

    Comments

    Popular posts from this blog

    Typography Task 3A - Type Design & Communication (Typeface Design)

    Design Research Methodology Assignments 1 - 4

    Illustration & Visual Narrative Task 1 - Exercises